A solar generator is a system that will captures the energy from sunlight using photovoltaic cells mounted on the panels. The energy is harvested and then converted into electricity in the form of direct current. Then it will be inverted into alternating current before deposited into a battery bank. This will depend on the number of panels and batteries used. A solar powered generator will power anything from the small appliances to the entire households. The small to moderate models will produce enough power to charge the devices like laptops, Smartphone’s, and television. The system battery bank can store the power and a fuel powered generator will provide power while running.

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**Below, you’ll find our more detailed reviews, but you can also click the links above to see current prices or read customer reviews on Amazon.

How Do Solar Generators Work?

Solar generators are an attractive power source for people who have concerned about the impact of petrol generators on the environment. The power will be provided by the sun and the solar panel will capture the energy from the sun that will convert it to electricity and store it into power packs. Because the solar generators will use the renewable energy, they will not require any fuel and emit no emissions.

The solar panel is connected to a battery because this is the best way to store energy. The battery in a solar powered generator will be a deep cycle and should also be rated for 12 volts. Energy stored in a battery is a direct current but appliances use the alternating current. A solar powered generator must have an inverter that converts the electricity into a usable form.

Things to Consider When Buying Solar Generators:

Solar generators capture the sun energy through solar panels, a store that energy in a battery bank and then release it through an inverter to be used for AC power.

Battery storage capacity:

The most important thing of a solar generator is actual usability is its battery storage capacity. The battery storage will allow you to use the generator at night and when your energy needs exceed the amount of solar input coming in. Battery manufacturers recommend only using 2/3 of the full capacity of traditional lead acid batteries in order to reserve life span and reduce the failures. By knowing solar generators usable watt hours you can determine that how long it will run specific applications. The usable watt hours of system battery storage become clear.

Solar PV input:

Solar PV input is what powers a solar generator. By having ample solar PV input allows for the continuous solar generator during the day and low recharging after the night usage. A solar generator is portable or with separate PV panels will allow for the solar tracking. Solar tracking is the ability to move your solar panels to capture the best solar input. PV input is directly related to the storage capacity of a solar generator. It is important to use the solar generator while it is recharging will increase the time to full capacity.

Component quality:

The quality is a huge factor that will affect the usability and durability of solar generators. It is imperative to have the component warranties and capable life spans. Durability is a key for solar generators that is negatively affected by the component quality. The metal casing confirms that solar generators will stand up to exacting use and continue to protect the valuable components over time. Owning a solar generator for any application brings about a need for reliability.

Portability:

Most of the solar generator application requires a degree of portability. If the system itself will be moved then this will allow for solar tracking and on-demand usage. The battery will increase the weight significantly and solid storage capacity will make for a heavy system and reduce the mobility. The solar generators skirt this issue by not having the storage capacity. The result will be portable solar generators that will look like that will have a hard time pushed by a body builder. The proper weight distribution will secure the ability for portable solar generators to be used off the grid and pushed easily on location.

Recommended Product Reviews – Top 6 Best Rated Solar Generators

Goal zero yeti 1250 is the strongest model in goal zero yeti line. The system is a bit larger than the less capable of yetis but the trade off is you will get much more wattage to work with. This includes two boulders 30 solar panels with a full charge the yeti 1250 within a period of 24 hours. The solar generator is expendable though so that you can add more panels to decrease the amount of time to get a full charge. You have to plug the unit into a wall outlet in times when the sun or solar panels are not available.

This solar power generator is a little heavier than the other models. It will be difficult to carry the unit because the size goes it great. It will fit comfortably on a kitchen countertop. It comes with a 1250 watt-hour battery. It includes 3 USB, 3 DC connections, and 3 AC connections as a changing port for hooking multiple units together. This is true for any alternative power product. The handle and stackable shape will make it a good choice for a camping trip and the design will incorporate a metallic bright green. This kind of generator will be used for indoors because it will not create any fumes or bad smells.

2. Goal Zero 23000 Yeti 400 Solar Generators:

The yeti 400 from the goal zero is a compact unit that will be strong enough to run the television, lights, mobile device and small appliances. It includes a 1.5 amp USB port, a 12V outlet for plugging your devices and built-in 300-watt power inverter. This will convert the energy into AC electricity. This will charge from the sun and this solar power generator will be charged through a standard wall outlet or car charger.

You can also plug in solar panels to increase the charge capacity and that will connect the panels to the unit is simple. This generator is enough to feel durable and not heavy enough to present difficulty carrying. The handle and stackable shape will make it a good choice for a camping trip and the design will incorporate a metallic bright green. This kind of generator will be used for indoors because it will not create any fumes or bad smells. This generator is quiet and portable power for base camps. This solar generator will allow you to live life off the grid and fumes of traditional back-up generators.

Features:

This is safe for indoor use, refuel from the wall and solar panel sold separately.

3. Goal Zero 22004 Yeti 150 Solar Generators:

The goal zero 22004 yeti 150 solar generators will be a versatile and ultra portable solar power generation that will be easy to assemble and use. This is a small plug and plays generator designed for camping and anytime you need to backup power for phones, lights, Smartphones and other appliances. This system includes a 12V battery with a charge capacity of 150WH/14,000 mAh, which will be changed through the included solar panel or plug into a wall outlet and car charger. The yeti 150 unit will be used inside the household or in the vehicle because it will not put off any fumes and its light to take anywhere. The solar generator is expendable though so that you can add more panels to decrease the amount of time to get a full charge. You have to plug the unit into a wall outlet in times when the sun or solar panels are not available. This portable solar power generator is a bit heavier than the other models out. It will be difficult to carry the unit because the size goes it great. It will fit comfortably on a kitchen countertop.

The solar unit has a convenient pop-up handle and the shape will make it easy to stack multiple units to one another. The yeti 150 will include a single USB outlet and built-in 80 watts AC inverter. This system is ideal for light intermittent use while traveling and have to backup during emergencies. The colors and materials have a modern and polished look. This solar generator will feel lightweight and durable with a comfortable grip.

Features:

4. Goal Zero 22002 Sherpa 100 Portable Recharger:

The Sherpa 100 power pack represents the latest in the efficient battery technology wrapped into a portable and lightweight package. This is designed to power all the gear in your kit and the Sherpa 100 versatile array of ports will include ultra-fast, smart USB for phones and tablets. There will be a 12 volt port for lights, an innovative port for laptops and detachable AC inverter for cameras. The Sherpa 100 will recharge from the wall and combined with goal zero portable line of solar panels and it recharges from the power of the sun. There will be long lasting, versatile power integrated USB from phones to tablets and laptops to DSLR cameras.

This is fast and smart charging intelligent USB identifiers and delivers the most efficient charge possible without overcharging. There will be advanced travel ready technology highest energy battery available provides more power with highest power portable battery approved for travel. This can be recharge anywhere from the car or the sun. The solar generator is expendable though so that you can add more panels to decrease the amount of time to get a full charge. You have to plug the unit into a wall outlet in times when the sun or solar panels are not available. This portable solar power generator is a bit heavier than the other models out.

5. Goal Zero Yeti 400 Solar Generator Kit w/Nomad 20 Solar Panel:

This goal zero yeti 400 solar generator kit with an included nomad 20 solar panel will be a step above the other selection in yeti line because it includes an extra component that will make the unit worth considering. This will found to be an ideal choice for camping trips, outdoor usage and also for a backup emergency. To choose this system over the similar selection from the goal zero is that will come with the nomad recharging panel and it is compatible with another solar system like Sherpa 50. There will be advanced travel ready technology highest energy battery available provides more power with highest power portable battery approved for travel. This can be recharge anywhere from the car or the sun.

The extra 20 watts of power from the nomad will be nice for charging devices like Smartphone’s and tablets. You can also plug into the yeti 400 main units through the USB ports and standard AC outlet. With this yeti 400, you can charge your tablet more than 10 times and Smartphone more than 30 times before you having to recharge. You can keep the nomad 20 plugged in then you can get a more charging time out. Your laptop will get a full charge from the yeti 400. This solar generator will give you to stay in full power during your camping trips.

Features:

6. Goal Zero Yeti 150 Solar Generator Kit with Nomad 20 Solar Panel:

This goal zero yeti 150 solar generator kit with an included nomad 20 solar panel will be a step above the other selection in yeti line because it includes an extra component that will make the unit worth considering. A plug and play and the goal zero yeti 150 solar generator cranks out the portable power to keep your lights and laptops when the power is down. This will found to be an ideal choice for camping trips, outdoor usage and also for a backup emergency.

To choose this system over the similar selection from the goal zero is that will come with the nomad recharging panel and it is compatible with another solar system like Sherpa 50. The extra 20 watts of power from the nomad will be nice for charging devices like Smartphone’s and tablets. You can also plug into the yeti 150 main units through the USB ports and standard AC outlet. With this yeti 150, you can charge your tablet more than 8 times and Smartphone more than 25 times before you having to recharge. You can keep the nomad 20 plugged in then you can get a more charging time out. Your laptop will get a full charge from the yeti 150. This system will give you all you need to stay in power during your camping trips.

Features:

Final verdict:

With a solar energy, it is possible to have the right level of backup power without relying on a traditional fuel source. The best solar generator will help you to make this happen quickly and easily. This is the best time to have a backup energy source that you will rely upon every day and it is a time to own a solar generator. One of the best choices in the solar generator is durable, portable and offers the right amount of flexibility. Solar generators are cost effective and environmental device. It is also portable to some extent.